Beverage Mat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage mat designed to accommodate beer/beverage buckets and other beverage containers typically served in restaurants, bars and the like. The beverage mat is comprised of a base, a continuous raised sidewall positioned around the perimeter of the base, and a plurality of rubber nubs that extend outwardly from a top surface of the base to support the beverage bucket or beverage containers in an elevated position, wherein condensation, moisture and spillage from the same is permitted to drip downwardly onto the mat and away from the containers. The mat then collects the condensation, moisture and spillage from the containers and stores the same until proper disposal. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage mat further comprises a heating/cooling element for use with the beverage containers, one or more logos, and a plurality of lights.

Claims

1. A beverage mat for supporting a beverage container, the beverage mat comprising: a base comprised of a bottom surface, a top surface and an interior; a raised sidewall positioned around a perimeter of the base; and a plurality of nubs extending outwardly from the top surface for supporting the beverage container in an elevated position above the top surface; and wherein a height of each of the plurality of nubs is 50 percent to 60 percent of a height of the raised sidewall.

2. The beverage mat of claim 1, wherein a reservoir is positioned in the interior of the base.

3. The beverage mat of claim 2, wherein the top surface is configured to permit a liquid to penetrate the top surface into the reservoir.

4. (canceled)

5. The beverage mat of claim 3, wherein the top surface is sloped.

6. The beverage mat of claim 1, wherein the raised sidewall further comprises a drain portion.

7. The beverage mat of claim 1 further comprising a heating element or a cooling element.

8. The beverage mat of claim 1 further comprising at least one light.

9. The beverage mat of claim 7 further comprising a battery in electrical communication with the heating element or the cooling element.

10. The beverage mat of claim 8 further comprising a battery in electrical communication with the at least one light.

11. The beverage mat of claim 1 further comprising an advertisement.

12. The beverage mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of nubs are comprised of a wicking material.

13. The beverage mat of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is comprised of a non-slip material.

14. A beverage mat comprising: a base comprised of a bottom surface adhesively attachable to a surface, a top surface and an interior, wherein the interior comprises a reservoir for collecting a liquid; a cooling element positioned along the top surface of the base; a battery; an insulated sidewall attached to the base and extending outwardly from the top surface; and a plurality of nubs extending outwardly from the top surface in a spaced apart fashion.

15. The beverage mat of claim 14, wherein the top surface is configured to permit a liquid to penetrate the top surface into the reservoir.

16. The beverage mat of claim 15, wherein the top surface is sloped.

17. The beverage mat of claim 14 further comprising at least one light, wherein each of the at least one light and the cooling element are in electrical communication with the battery.

18. The beverage mat of claim 14 further comprising an advertisement.

19. A beverage mat for supporting a beverage container, the beverage mat comprising: a base comprised of a magnetic bottom surface, a magnetic top surface and an interior, wherein the interior comprises a reservoir; a cooling element in electrical communication with a battery; a sidewall attached to a perimeter of the base and extending outwardly from the top surface, wherein the sidewall further comprises a drain and a plurality of lights in electrical communication with the battery; and a plurality of nubs extending outwardly from the top surface in a spaced apart fashion to support the beverage container in an elevated position above the top surface.

20. The beverage mat of claim 19 further comprising an advertisement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a beverage mat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a beverage mat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a beverage bucket is positioned atop the plurality of nubs and within the perimeter of the raised sidewall;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the exterior portion of the raised sidewall of the beverage mat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the beverage mat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the mat further comprises a heating/cooling element; and

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a beverage mat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the beverage mat is being drained of the collected liquids.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat that protects a table top, bar top and/or patrons at restaurants, bars, hotels, and other establishments against moisture, condensation, and spillage from bottles, cans, buckets, and other drink containers which may otherwise damage the surface of the table/bar or the patron’s clothes. There is also a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat which easily accommodates beverage buckets and containers of various sizes, that is also capable of heating and/or cooling the beverages or beverage containers placed thereon, and that is capable of providing both ambiance lighting and advertisements for others. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a generally circular beverage mat that can accommodate a plurality of beverages and/or beverage containers in an elevated position above the base portion of the mat. The beverage mat is preferably comprised of a rubber or silicone material that allows the mat to be easily cleaned and/or washed in a dishwasher, and may be further comprised of a non-slip bottom surface. The top surface of the base portion further comprises a plurality of spaced apart nubs and a drainage means for collecting and storing the moisture, condensation and spillage from beverage containers stored thereon until the same can be properly disposed of.

[0027] In one embodiment of the beverage mat, the top surface may be comprised of a plurality of continuous drainage holes as well as an internal drainage collection reservoir that allows the device to collect moisture/condensation/spillage. Further, the device is comprised of a continuous circumferential side wall, wherein the side wall, bottom surface, or top surface may be comprised of a drain plug that can be removed to allow the any liquid collected by the device to be drained/poured out. In addition, the circumferential side wall of the device and the top surface of the device may be comprised of a plurality logos or advertisements that be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and fixedly or removably attached to the device body.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a beverage mat 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The beverage mat 100 is comprised of a generally circular body or base 110 having a top surface 114, a bottom surface 116 and an interior portion, a continuous raised sidewall 112 and a plurality of nubs 1140. The base 110 of the beverage mat 100 is preferably circular in shape and comprised of a durable, washable, dishwasher-safe, rubber or silicone material. Nonetheless, other materials are also contemplated though the same are preferably microwave safe, freezer safe, and oven safe, as well as corrosion and tear resistant. Further, in differing embodiments of the beverage mat 100, the body portion 110 may be comprised of a rigid plastic, durable metal (e.g., stainless steel), or wood material, and may be comprised of any other conceivable shape such as, but not limited to, a square, oval, triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, octagon, etc.

[0029] The continuous raised sidewall 112 is integrally formed with, or attached to, the base portion 110 and extends outwardly from the top surface 114 along a perimeter of the base 110. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the sidewall 112 be comprised of the same material as the base portion 110, although in differing embodiments of the beverage mat 100 the sidewall 112 may be comprised of a different material, or may be removably attached to the base 110.

[0030] Similarly, each of the plurality of nubs 1140 is integrally formed with, or attached to, the base portion 110 and extends outwardly from the top surface 114 in spaced apart fashion. It is contemplated that the nubs 1140 be comprised of the same material as the base portion 110, although in differing embodiments of the beverage mat 100 the nubs 1140 may be comprised of a different material, or may be removably attached to the base 110.

[0031] The bottom surface 116 of the body portion is preferably comprised of a non-slip surface, such as rubber or the like, to ensure that the beverage mat 100 does not slip or slide across the surface upon which it is placed, such as a table top or a bar. In other embodiments, the non-slip surface may be comprised of, but is not limited to, a removable adhesive surface that is protected by a peelable or release liner, a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of grooved raised or sunken channels, a plurality of integrated magnets or other magnetized material.

[0032] The interior 117 of the base portion 110 may be comprised of an internal hollow reservoir 118 that collects moisture/condensation/liquid spillage (e.g. beer, soda, water, juice, etc.) 16 via a plurality of continuous drainage openings 1144 in fluid communication with the hollow reservoir 118. More specifically, the plurality of continuous drainage openings 1144 may be positioned along the top surface 114, and the top surface 114 may be sloped in the direction of said continuous drainage openings 1144 to facilitate (via gravity) the moisture/condensation/spillage that emanates from the beverage containers and drops onto the top surface 114 to be directed towards the openings 1144.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a beverage mat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a beverage bucket 10 containing ice 12 and a plurality of beer bottles 14 is positioned atop the plurality of nubs 1140 and within the perimeter of the raised sidewall 112. More specifically, the sidewall 112 prevents a beverage bucket 10 or beverage 14 from falling over or slipping off the beverage mat 100 when placed on the plurality of nubs 1140. Accordingly, the thickness of the base portion 110 of the beverage mat 100, as measured between the bottom surface 116 and the top surface 114, is preferably less than the height of the sidewall 112 and the height of each of the nubs 1140 is approximately 50-60% of the height of the sidewall 112.

[0034] Further, in the preferred embodiment of the beverage mat 100, the sidewall 112 is at least 1”-2” in height to provide adequate support for a bucket 10 placed on the nubs 1140, and the thickness of the sidewall 114 is preferably at least 0.25” to 0.5” in order to yield sufficient strength thereto. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that the sidewall 112 may be of such a height that it completely encloses a beverage bucket 10 or beverage 14, wherein an interior surface 1123 of the sidewall 112 may be further comprised of an insulated material that stabilizes and maintains the temperature of the bucket 10 or beverage 14, and slows the melting process of the ice 12 within the bucket 10.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the exterior surface 1120 of the raised sidewall 112 of the beverage mat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a logo or advertisement 1122 is positioned thereon. More specifically, any portion of the sidewall 112 may be comprised of one or more embedded or raised logos or advertisements 1122. For example, the advertisements 1122 may be positioned on the interior surface 1123 or the exterior surface 1124 of the sidewall 112. In differing embodiments of the beverage mat 100, the logo 1122 may be comprised of, but is not limited to, a sports team logo, a business logo, a product logo (e.g. an alcohol brand), a product/business advertisement, etc. Further, the logo 1122 may be fixedly attached to the beverage mat 100, or may be removable for cleaning or to allow the user to exchange one advertisement 1122 for another without having to purchase an entirely new beverage mat 100.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the beverage mat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the interior portion 117 further comprises the drainage reservoir 118, a heating/cooling element 130 and a battery 140. As previously stated, the top surface 114 of the base 110 is preferably comprised of a plurality of individual and spaced apart nubs 1140 that provide an enhanced gripping surface that contacts the bottom of a beverage bucket 10 or beverage bottle 14, and that supports the same in an elevated condition above the top surface 114 of the base 110. In differing embodiments of the mat 100, the top surface 114 may be comprised of an additional or alternative gripping means such as, but not limited to, a knurling, a magnetic surface, an adhesive surface, a sandpaper-like surface, etc. The nubs 1140 further promote air flow between the beverage bucket 10 and the top surface 114 to prevent stickiness/liquid buildup (e.g. from juices or beverages), and may be comprised of a wicking material to pull the moisture away from the beverage bucket and direct it towards the drainage openings 1144.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 4, the top surface 114 may also be comprised of one or a plurality of embedded (e.g., two-dimensional) or raised (e.g., three-dimensional) logos or advertisements 1142, which may include, but are not limited to, a sports team logo, a business logo, a product logo (e.g. an alcohol/beverage/food brand), a product/business advertisement, etc. Further, the logo(s) 1142 may be fixedly attached to the top surface 114 or may be removable for cleaning, or to allow the user to exchange one logo 1142 for another without having to purchase a new beverage mat 100.

[0038] The top surface 114 preferably acts to capture any liquids, such as water, beer, soda, juice, condensation, moisture, etc., that may spill over or be formed upon the surface of a beverage 14 or beverage bucket 10. In one embodiment of the mat 100, the capturing means may comprise a plurality of continuous drainage openings 1144 referenced above that may be positioned along the top surface 114 or the logo 1142. The drain openings 1144 in the top surface 114 and/or logo 1142 may be in fluid communication with the drainage reservoir 118 positioned in the interior portion 117 of the base 110, as best seen in FIG. 4. The reservoir 118 may comprise the entire internal space of the body 110, a portion of the internal space of the body 110, a portion of the internal space of the logo 1142 (in an embodiment of the device 100 wherein the logo 1142 is three-dimensional and is able to be removed from the body 110), or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the reservoir 118 may be positioned in an interior portion of the side wall 112 in the same manner. It is also contemplated the reservoir 118 can be drained via a removable drain opening/plug 120 that may be positioned along any of the sidewall 112, top surface 114, bottom surface 116, or three-dimensional or two-dimensional embodiment of the logos 1122/1142. Further, any liquid 16 may simply be collected upon the top surface 114 and removed from the beverage mat 100 by tipping the beverage mat 100 to drain the liquid over a drainage notch 1128 in the sidewall 122, as best seen in FIG. 5.

[0039] As noted above, and best shown in FIG. 4, the beverage mat 100 may further comprise a heating and/or cooling element 130 positioned along the top surface 114, or in the interior portion 117, of the base 110 for heating or cooling the beverage container 14, such as a bottle, glass or can. More specifically, the heating and/or cooling element 130 is useful for keeping beverages, appetizers or the like in a heated or cooled condition while positioned on the beverage mat 110. The heating and/or cooling element 130 may comprise a cord (not shown) that can be plugged into a nearby electrical outlet to power the element 130. However, to increase the portability of the beverage mat 100, reduce tripping hazards and/or the possibility of electrical shock, the heating and/or cooling element 130 is preferably powered by, and in electrical communication with, a battery 140 positioned within the interior 117 of the base 110 with an access door or panel (not shown) to enable a user (also not shown) to easily access the same for charging or replacing the batteries 140.

[0040] The battery 140 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, and may be easily replaced or removed if necessary. Suitable batteries 140 include alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, etc. Throughout this specification the terms “battery”, “battery pack”, and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used.

[0041] As noted above, and best shown in FIG. 1, the beverage mat 100 may further comprise one or more lights (e.g., LED lights) 150 positioned along the top surface 114 of the body portion 110 and/or a top surface 1126 of the sidewall 112 for providing ambiance lighting to the patrons as they consume their beverages. Said LED lights 150 could be powered by the same power supply used to power the heating/cooling element 130 as described above, namely an electrical cord plugged into a traditional wall outlet, or battery pack of disposable or rechargeable batteries 140. The lights 150 may be comprised of, but are not limited to, multiple LEDs of a single color or multiple colors. The operation of the lights 150 may further vary in the style of illumination, such as a blinking or a static illumination. In the preferred embodiment, the lights 150 are illuminated constantly once turned on. Alternatively, the beverage mat 100 may be comprised of a light sensor (not shown) that senses the ambient light and turns on the lights 150 when an insufficient amount of ambient light is detected.

[0042] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the improved beverage mat 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the beverage mat 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the beverage mat 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the beverage mat 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the beverage mat 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.